Field measuring is an important step in the process of fabricating and installing metal composite panels. This month, we will discuss field measuring challenges, methods and technology, along with the importance of properly managing the field measurement process.
You may know the saying, “measure twice, cut once,” as it relates to the field of carpentry. This proverb also applies very well to the field of metal composite material (MCM) where accurate field measurements are vitally important to a project’s success. Unfortunately, the field measuring process can often be mismanaged or mistimed, resulting in stress to a project’s schedule and budget.
Current trends in building design and construction are resulting in increasingly varied wall types and materials, which along with complex shapes and sizes, are putting greater emphasis on obtaining accurate field measurements (FMs) to fabricate metal composite panels. The large variety of types and finishes of adjacent material, including window systems, brick, concrete, stone and stucco, reinforces the need for precise FMs to fabricate panels to exact dimensions to accurately match adjacent materials.
Typically, before FMs can be obtained, all building materials that surround metal composite panels must be installed first. This presents challenges to construction schedules, since FMs must often be obtained near the end of the project schedule and depends on the timely completion of other trade’s work. It is critical to coordinate with the general contractor on the building envelope construction schedule, sequencing, and material lead times. Building envelope access, verification of the quality and completeness of other trade’s work, and coordination with other subcontractors are also important issues that must be addressed prior to mobilizing for field measurements.
Obtaining FMs in the field can be accomplished by a variety of methods, including hand measuring, surveying and 3-D laser scanning. Three-D scanning is one of the best tools to obtain accurate FMs for complex building geometry, including areas with curved panels. Curved walls are difficult to accurately hand measure and hand measuring these areas often results in the need to remake panels, resulting in time lost and increased costs.
While 3-D scanning provides the most accurate, detailed measurements, sometimes a good old-fashioned tape measure is the better choice. MCM contractors should have a thorough understanding of what FM methods are appropriate for various building envelope conditions and know the limitations of each method. Today’s complex building envelope design makes it challenging for FM personnel to collect all required data properly using available methods. A good MCM contractor uses the latest technology and has experienced FM personnel that can think on their feet, have a solid understanding of building construction, and know what FM methods to employ.
measurements are obtained, the next step is to implement the field measurements. Implementing FMs is best accomplished by an experienced in-house engineering team using the latest computer aided design (CAD) drafting and 3-D scanning software. Data can often be complex and it takes experienced personnel to interpret, implement, and weed out poor data. The best engineering personnel have a sound understanding of different building envelope systems and can supplement field FM data with architectural or other contractor’s plans, such as window system shop drawings. Precisely implementing digital FM data leads directly to exacting panel fabrication, most often completed with computer controlled machining processes.
For a successful, profitable MCM project, it is important to use an experienced company to manage and integrate the field measurement process with panel fabrication and installation. Due to the precision required to fabricate panels that must interact with a variety of building material, particularly panels with complex, curved, and round shapes, it is imperative to employ the latest technology to collect and implement FMs. Obtaining and implementing high-quality field measurement data puts a project on the right track from the start leading to higher quality fabrication and installation, as well as saving lost time and money due to remaking or field modifying panels. Properly managing the FM process can lead to first-rate panel fabrication, which in turn leads to successful panel installation, and the results can be stunning.
David Cake is a project manager at The Miller- Clapperton Partnership Inc. in Austell, Ga. Cake and additional Miller Clapperton writers will continue “Ted’s MCM Corner.” For more information, visit www.millerclapperton.com.